Spectacle (noun) (Middle English) 1. ‘something that helps understanding’.
Breakdown the LP’s title – Love In Constant Spectacle – and a fair indication is provided about the mien of Jane Weaver during the album’s development and recording.
It was one of ‘anticipatory grief’ as she bore witness to her father’s illness and death. Consequently, the album’s tracks seek to understand love’s myriad forms and how they applied to her in, clearly, one of the worst times of her life.
A poignant release from a singular artist
In an album of brilliant tracks, ‘Univers’ (sic), chiming guitars building to a glorious crescendo, encapsulates this notion perfectly. That is, when there is ever-present darkness, shards of light occasionally flash to remind/reaffirm all that is good in life.
She said of the track: “Sometimes things go consistently wrong and it seems like there’s no middle ground. Then there are moments of joy where everything is ultra bright. Living with anticipatory grief for a number of years is hard to articulate, thinking about mortality becomes a constant. Some days it’s bigger than you can deal with, but the resolve of this track is hopeful and bright”.
The legendary John Parish on production duties
Breaking from her normal self-production duties, she enlisted John Parish. He has worked with not only PJ Harvey but also Eels, Aldous Harding, Tracy Chapman, Giant Sand, and Sparklehorse. His was an inspired appointment. Maybe he brought a rocky, guitary influence. Whatever his contribution, it’s magnificent.
As mentioned above, it’s difficult to pick out a standout track from such a strong collection. ‘Love In Constant Spectacle’ is astonishing and cements her standing as the greatest Mancunian writer of singles since The Smiths. “I won’t hear the distortion” she laments as the song becomes subsumed by guitar distortion is simply sublime.
The opening of ‘Family Of The Sun’ brings to mind both Austin, Texas, psych/country rockers Knife in the Water and Spiritualized’s ‘Come Together’. That good. At this point, special mention must be made of stickman Andrew Cheetham. His jazz influences add yet another glorious layer to a landmark work of sadness and beauty.
Summary
Add Love In Constant Spectacle to Jane Weaver’s portfolio of brilliant albums. The air of grieving certainly hung heavily over its creation. However the result, to revert to the modern usage of the word, is truly spectacular.
The LP is out now. Head over to her website for further details. It also has information about the major tour she is about to embark on.
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